Students, parents and coaches raise concerns about proposed Okaw Valley co-op for spring sports

Board President Josh Burgener opened the public comment period as students and parents pressed the board on a proposed Okaw Valley co-op for spring athletics.

CAM High School senior Emma West presented student-survey data, saying the responses produced "a 60% overall negative response to the potential co-op." She told trustees the survey listed work (15.4%), staff/coaches (49.5%) and loss of interest (27.5%) as reasons for declining participation. CAM High School baseball coach Sean McQuire told the board that pitching counts and insufficient athletes for a JV team are concerns and that the numbers do not yet present "a ‘must do’ scenario" but that a co-op "could help to address these issues." Parent Jim Dial urged the board to "pump the brakes," asking whether the district was rushing the decision and suggesting summer programs and field improvements as alternatives. Parent Aly Dial asked how a co-op would affect students and whether the district could wait for other solutions.

Board member Brock Boltz responded during public comment that the district does have summer programs and encouraged following the appropriate chain of command for complaints so issues can be resolved. Superintendent Sacha Young later recommended against moving forward with separate motions for co-ops for track and field, softball and baseball at this time because more information is needed; after President Burgener asked for a motion, no motions were made.

The discussion was recorded but no formal action was taken; trustees left the matter open pending additional information and staff recommendations.